#NotAnAmbulance

This month (August) our #NotAnAmbulance campaign is
encouraging Londoners to look after their friends when they're out
drinking, so they don't end their night in the back of an
ambulance.

More than 6,650 revellers were treated by ambulance crews after
drinking too much last August, and our latest film shows the impact
this can have on us at the ambulance service.

Medical Director, Dr Fenella Wrigley said: “While we’re treating
patients who have had too much to drink – others, who are
potentially seriously ill or injured, could be waiting for
help.

“A lot of the people our control room and ambulance crews
respond to on Friday and Saturday nights don’t need an ambulance –
they need a friend to take responsibility to get them home safely
and look after them.

“Our message is simple – look after your friends and make sure
they get home safely, rather than ending their night in the
back of an ambulance.”

Dr Wrigley added: “Drinking too much puts people in a vulnerable
situation. If you cannot look after yourself you risk injury by
falling or being less aware of traffic and other hazards. You also
risk losing your phone and keys, leaving you stranded on the
streets.

“Many people who have drunk too much end up in arguments and
tussles with others – something which, when sober, they would never
be involved in. We’re asking people to drink responsibly and if
their friends do drink too much and need help, look after them so
they don’t end up alone, vulnerable and in need of an
ambulance.”

Top tips for a safe night out:

Eat before drinking: Make sure you eat before
you go out or start your night somewhere that serves meals or
snacks. It’ll provide more energy, and lessen your hangover the
next day.

Try pacing and spacing: Having a soft drink or
some water between alcohol drinks slows the rate of your
drinking.

Drink smaller drinks: A large glass of wine in
most bars is equivalent to a third of a bottle!

Keep a check on how much you’re drinking: The
‘One You Drinks Tracker’ will help you keep track of how much you
are drinking and spending.

Look after each other: Look after your friends
and colleagues and make sure you know how you are getting home at
the end of the night.

Plan your journey home: Don’t leave it to
chance—think about how you’re going to get home, and who with,
before you go out. Make arrangements before you start drinking, and
make sure you don’t get left to walk home alone.

Get involved - sharing on social media

Use the #

Throughout our campaign, we'll be using the hashtag #NotAnAmbulance.
Join in the conversation on Twitter and Instagram and help us
spread the message about how looking after your mates when you're
drinking could save an ambulance for someone who needs it more.

Share our film

Our 90 second campaign film shows how a night out with friends
can turn into a night in an ambulance, and highlights the
importance of looking after your friends. Use this embed code from
YouTube to add the video to your website or social media
channels: